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Actions speak louder than words. What's his body language telling you?
By Alison Cerri — Written on Oct 26, 2018
How do you read a guy? It's not always as easy as it seems. If he's a slick Taurus who has the ability to hide his feelings until he gets to know you, you may find it difficult to read him when in person.
When you add social media, texting and chat to the equation, reading him becomes even more complicated. There’s a reason why talking via online messenger and text feels a little unnatural —even talking on the phone — you're missing something physical. It's called body language.
You need to see a person's face overtime to really know what that person is thinking or feeling. Some zodiac signs may take solace in this—you can talk to him with no makeup on, watching Grey’s Anatomy in sweats. If he sees you, it’s from the neck-up with a Snapchat filter.
Regardless, if you’re interested in him, you talk in person. This certainly has its benefits. You see each other, literally. It also means you need to employ a whole different set of interpretation skills than for emojis and punctuation.
Body language is an indispensable component of conversation. You learn about it in school in the context of giving speeches or presentations. A large part of your presentation is how you present yourself.
Via GIPHY
And a presentation is a bit like a one-sided conversation, usually with an opportunity for the other party—your audience—to engage (or fall in love with you) at the end through questions and comments.
A one-on-one conversation is more intimate, as you’re both speaking and asking questions and commenting in tandem. You’re both also using body language. While you often think about what you say (though sometimes you can’t help but let some things slip), body language is mostly unconscious.
Nevertheless, it often portrays how the person is truly feeling, no matter what comes out of their mouth. Just as you’re hyper-aware and critical of what he types, when you talk in person, you interpret everything he says and does around you.
Something that can help you understand the way you interpret his language beyond the words that come from his mouth is understanding your zodiac sign. Astrology has a lot to do with communication. Not only the way you give messages, but also how you receive them.
Some horoscope signs have an advantage over others in this regard. Others are not so lucky. But it still helps all to gain insight as to why your zodiac sign hears and sees things a certain way.
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Aries tend to be susceptible to their first impressions. They see the other person cross their arms and immediately respond to it without much thought.
It’s important for Aries to take a second before engaging in conversation with him to collect themselves. They should remain aware of body language, but pay equal attention to what he’s saying … as well as their own body language and responses. Your honesty can be attractive, as long as you don’t wield it impulsively.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
This sign is all about the body, though mainly their own. They’re comfortable and open with their own body language. This can welcome him to be open with his body language, too, which is a step in the right direction to reading it.
Taurus also tends to be stubborn, so if he’s reading a little closed-off, don’t just walk away. Your thoughts and opinions may be overbearing and turning him off. Be receptive as to what he has to say.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 20)
As a sign ruled by Mercury, communication is Gemini’s wheelhouse. They are very perceptive and fluid when it comes to chatting.
It comes naturally to you, but maybe not to him. Geminis also tend to be optimistic, sometimes dangerously so. Don’t read too deep into every gesture he makes, or doesn’t make. Just because he has his hand on the table doesn’t mean he wants you to take it. Get to know him a little better … when it comes to Geminis, this is a pretty easy task.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
One of Cancer’s defining characteristics is their intuition. They’re good at reading vibes. Basically, they’re pros at reading body language.
What’s important for Cancers when reading body language is to consider their own. If he’s not showing the most positive body language, don’t hole up in your protective crab shell. Give him a chance before putting any walls up: relax a bit, and he will, too.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Leos need a little help when interpreting body language. As a very social sign, they’re good at getting a general sense of how people feel—usually in terms of a mini-crowd, since they like to hang out with more than one person at a time.
When one-on-one with him, however, look beyond superficial appearances like clothing and pay attention to how he’s holding his body … and how that makes you feel.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
Sometimes it’s hard for this sign to read other people’s body language, though they’re very good at reading their own. It gets especially difficult to read his body language due to nerves. Virgos want everything to go perfectly.
Pay attention to his shoulders and eyes. Are they hunched, drifting? How are they connecting with what he’s saying? Sure, Virgos demand perfection, but if he’s not coming near your expectations—nor showing an effort to do so—he’s not worth it.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
Reading body language tends to be tricky for Libras. They’re one of the most imaginative signs of the zodiac, which is an asset in many situations, but not so helpful when talking to him. There’s a danger of misinterpreting his movements.
Getting to know him better should definitely help in better reading his body language. Until then, be cognizant of your own body language and try to take note of how he responds to it.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
It’s not so much a matter of reading his body language—for Scorpios, it’s about being open with your own. He can’t be genuine with you unless you’re being open and honest with him.
Encourage him to be in tune with his feelings. As a Scorpio, you’re especially good at this. Instead of just saying it, show him how you are. This will, in turn, encourage him to relax and show his true self, which will be telling enough for you.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Honesty can be constructive or destructive. For Sags, they are extremely honest, sometimes to a fault. When it comes to reading his body language, it’s probably best to use some restraint when it comes to expressing your interpretations.
They may be raw and honest, but they can be wrong. Sagittarius does have a great capacity for empathy, though, so be sure to check yourself, what he’s saying, and practice patience.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
Capricorns are very analytical. In terms of reading body language, this trait can go one of two ways. It can be a great help on one hand: you are perceptive and analytical of every move he makes.
On the other hand, you lose the emotion of body language, which is half the battle. If you go about directly addressing it, he might get intimidated. It’s probably best to let him speak for himself.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
This sign is smart. They’re good at body language. Their problem—which is not really a problem, but rather an obstacle when it comes to socializing—is their need for alone time.
Put your own feelings aside and engulf yourself in him. Not entirely, of course: be aware of your process in translating his body language. You love problem-solving, but his body language is not merely a “problem.”
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Though not ruled by Mercury, this sign may be the best at reading body language. Body language is deeply connected to emotion, which is Pisces’s strength. Body language is also quiet, which matches up with this sign’s emotional aura.
Just remember to keep yourself grounded in reality when around him. You like to get swept up in your imagination at times … literally touching something around you (maybe his hand, if he’s up for it) will help.
Alison Cerri is a writer who covers astrology, pop culture and relationship topics.